U.S. patent application number 12/361581 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-31 for reel lock for passenger restraint having dual locking positions.
Invention is credited to John Boyer, Alan Lane, Daniel Meggs.
Application Number | 20090321550 12/361581 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40913215 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090321550 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boyer; John ; et
al. |
December 31, 2009 |
Reel Lock for Passenger Restraint Having Dual Locking Positions
Abstract
Disclosed is an improved reel assembly for use in conjunction
with an occupant restraint system. The assembly employs a dual
locking arrangement whereby an occupant can be restrained during
both major and minor incidents. After a major incident, the reel
assembly remains locked until the occupant disengages the reel via
a push button. After a minor incident, the reel assembly can be
conveniently unlocked, without the need for accessing the push
button, by applying counter tension to the webbing.
Inventors: |
Boyer; John; (Yorba Linda,
CA) ; Meggs; Daniel; (Las Vegas, NV) ; Lane;
Alan; (Prescott, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Gray Robinson;ATTN: STEFAN V. STEIN/ IP DEPT.
201 N. Franklin Street, Suite 2200, Post Office Box 3324
TAMPA
FL
33601-3324
US
|
Family ID: |
40913215 |
Appl. No.: |
12/361581 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61024409 |
Jan 29, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
242/396.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62B 1/10 20130101; B60R
22/38 20130101; B60R 2022/385 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/396.4 |
International
Class: |
B60R 22/36 20060101
B60R022/36; B60R 22/34 20060101 B60R022/34 |
Claims
1. A reel assembly (20) with dual locking mechanisms for
restraining a vehicle occupant by controlling the displacement of a
length of webbing (24), the reel assembly (20) comprising: a
webbing shaft (28) with a geared end plate (32), the webbing (24)
being wound about the webbing shaft (28), the end of the webbing
(24) being releasably secured to the occupant by way of a clasp
(26), whereby displacement of the webbing (24) is controlled by
rotation of the webbing shaft (28); a pair of locking pawls (58)
pivotally secured to the geared end plate (32), each locking pawl
(58) having pivoted and unpivoted orientations, a calibration
spring (62) secured to each locking pawl (58), each of the
calibration springs (62) having a bias that functions to urge the
pawls (58) into the unpivoted orientation, the bias being overcome
when the webbing shaft (28) is rotated at a predetermined rate,
whereby the pawls (58) are moved to the pivoted orientation; a
locking ring (34) having a geared inner periphery and an outer
surface with a ramp (36), the locking ring (34) positioned around
the geared end plate (32) and being independently rotatable
thereto, at least one locking pawl (58) engaging the geared inner
periphery of the locking ring (34) when the pawls (58) are in the
pivoted orientation, whereby rotation of the webbing shaft (28)
causes the rotation of the locking ring (34); a locking bolt. (42)
with an elongated cutout (44), the locking bolt (42) positioned
adjacent the webbing shaft (28) and having engaged and disengaged
positions, a spring (50) biasing the locking bolt (42) into the
engaged position, a trigger (38) and a sear (52) operatively
coupled to the locking bolt (42), with the sear (52) maintaining
the locking bolt (42) in the disengaged position against the bias
of the spring (50), the trigger (38) adapted to engage the ramp
(36) on the outer surface of the locking ring (34) whereby the sear
(52) is displaced so as to permit the locking bolt (42) to move
into the engaged position; a locking dog (48) that is pivotally
secured adjacent the geared end plate (32) and having a distal end
that rides within the elongated cut out (44) of the locking bolt
(42), the elongated cut out (44) preventing the locking dog (48)
from engaging the geared end plate (32) when the locking bolt (42)
is in the disengaged position, the elongated cut out (44) forcing
the locking dog (48) into engagement with the geared end plate (32)
when the locking bolt (42) is in the engaged position, with the
locking bolt (42) in engagement with the geared end plate (32) the
webbing (24) is prevented from being displaced from the webbing
shaft (28); whereby rotation of the webbing shaft (28) at a
predetermined rate causes the locking pawls (58) to move into the
pivoted orientation and engage the locking ring (34) to restrict
the displacement of the webbing (24) from the webbing shaft (28),
and wherein continued displacement of the webbing (24) causes the
further rotation of the locking ring (34) which, in turn, causes
trigger (38) to engage ramp (36), whereby sear (52) is displaced
and spring (50) is permitted to move the locking bolt (42) into the
engaged position such that the locking dog (48) engages the geared
end plate (32) to prevent further displacement of the webbing
(24).
2. A reel assembly (20) for controlling the displacement of webbing
comprising: a webbing shaft (28) with a geared end plate (32), the
webbing (24) being wound about the webbing shaft (28), with
displacement of the webbing (24) being controlled by rotation of
the webbing shaft (28); at least one locking pawl (58) pivotally
secured to the geared end plate (32), the locking pawl (58) having
pivoted and unpivoted orientations, a calibration spring (62)
secured to the locking pawl (58), the calibration spring (62)
having a bias that functions to urge the pawl(58) into the
unpivoted orientation, the bias being overcome when the webbing
shaft (28) is rotated at a predetermined rate, whereby the pawl
(58) is moved to the pivoted orientation; a locking ring (34)
having a geared inner periphery, the locking ring (34) positioned
around the geared end plate (32) and being independently rotatable
thereto, the locking pawl (58) engaging the geared inner periphery
of the locking ring (34) when the pawl (58) is in the pivoted
orientation, whereby rotation of the webbing shaft (28) causes the
rotation of the locking ring (34); a locking bolt (42) positioned
adjacent the webbing shaft (28) and having engaged and disengaged
positions; a locking dog (48) that is pivotally secured adjacent
the geared end plate (32), the locking dog (48) disengaged from the
geared end plate (32) when the locking bolt (42) is in the
disengaged position and the locking dog (48) engaged with the
geared end plate (32) when the locking bolt is in the engaged
position, with the locking dog (48) in engagement with the geared
end plate (32) the webbing (24) is prevented from being displaced
from the webbing shaft (28); whereby rotation of the webbing shaft
(28) at a predetermined rate causes the locking pawl (58) to move
into the pivoted orientation and engage the locking ring (34) to
restrict the displacement of the webbing (24) from the webbing
shaft (28), and wherein continued displacement of the webbing (24)
causes the locking bolt (42) to move into the engaged position such
that the locking dog (48) engages the geared end plate (32) to
prevent further displacement of the webbing (24).
3. The reel assembly as described in claim 2 wherein a trigger (38)
and sear (52) are interconnected to the locking bolt (42) and
wherein a ramp (36) is included on an inner surface of locking ring
(34), whereby extended rotation of locking ring (34) causes ramp
(36) to engage trigger (38) to thereby bring locking bolt (42) into
the engaged position.
4. The reel assembly as described in claim 2 wherein two locking
pawls (58) are included and wherein at least one locking pawl (58)
is adapted to engage locking ring (34) with the locking pawls (58)
in the pivoted orientation.
5. The reel assembly as described in claim 2 wherein locking bolt
(42) includes an elongated cut out (44) and wherein the locking dog
(48) includes a distal end that rides within elongated cut out
(44), whereby the geometry of the elongated cut out (44) forces the
locking dog (48) into engagement with the geared end plate (32)
when the locking bolt is in the engaged position.
6. A reel assembly (20) for controlling the displacement of webbing
comprising: a webbing shaft (28) with a geared end plate (32), the
webbing (24) being wound about the webbing shaft (28), with
displacement of the webbing (24) being controlled by rotation of
the webbing shaft (28); at least one locking pawl (58) pivotally
secured to the geared end plate (32), the locking pawl (58) having
pivoted and unpivoted orientations, a calibration spring (62)
secured to the locking pawl (58), the calibration spring (62)
having a bias that functions to urge the pawl(58) into the
unpivoted orientation, the bias being overcome when the webbing
shaft (28) is rotated at a predetermined rate, whereby the pawl
(58) is moved to the pivoted orientation; a locking ring (34)
having a geared inner periphery, the locking ring (34) positioned
around the geared end plate (32) and being independently rotatable
thereto, the locking pawl (58) engaging the geared inner periphery
of the locking ring (34) when the pawl (58) is in the pivoted
orientation, whereby rotation of the webbing shaft (28) causes the
rotation of the locking ring (34).
7. The reel assembly as described in claim 6 further comprising: a
locking bolt (42) positioned adjacent the webbing shaft (28) and
having engaged and disengaged positions; a locking dog (48) that is
pivotally secured adjacent the geared end plate (32), the locking
dog (48) disengaged from the geared end plate (32) when the locking
bolt (42) is in the disengaged position and the locking dog (48)
engaged with the geared end plate (32) when the locking bolt is in
the engaged position, with the locking dog (48) in engagement with
the geared end plate (32) the webbing (24) is prevented from being
displaced from the webbing shaft (28).
8. The reel assembly as described in claim 7 further comprising an
accelerometer that can engage trigger (38) upon encountering
predetermined forces.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application claims benefit of co-pending provisional
application Ser. No. 61/024,409 filed on Jan. 29, 2008 and entitled
"Reel Lock for Passenger Restraint Having Dual Locking Positions."
The contents of this co-pending application are fully incorporated
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to reel lock for use in conjunction
with a passenger restraint system. More particularly, the present
invention relates to a reel assembly with dual locking mechanisms,
whereby an occupant can be restrained during both major and minor
events.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] The use of harness reels is known in the background art. For
instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,105 to Frisk discloses a reel
assembly for retracting and locking a shoulder harness. The
assembly includes a strap supporting spool affixed to a ratchet
wheel. When a strap is rapidly pulled from the reel, an inertia
mass turns with respect to the reel. This causes the inertia mass
to move forward axially and trip a dog which locks the reel.
[0006] Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,807 to Warrick discloses an
acceleration sensor for an aircraft employing an inertia weight.
The inertia weight is movable within a chamber by way of a linkage.
The linkage is such that it provides the same output in response to
movement of the aircraft in multiple directions.
[0007] Although these inventions each achieve their respective
objectives, there continues to be a need in the art for a reel
assembly with separate locking mechanisms that can be independently
triggered and released in response to different events.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is, therefore, one of the objects of this invention to
provide a reel assembly with separate locking mechanisms.
[0009] It is another object of this invention to provide a reel
with first and second locking mechanisms, wherein the first
mechanism is triggered in response to major incidents and the
second mechanism is triggered in response to minor incidents.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to require a
user to access a reset button to reset the reel after a major
incident.
[0011] It is a further object of this invention to permit the reel
assembly to be reset after a minor incident via the application of
a counter tension to the harness webbing.
[0012] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent
and important features of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more
fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be
described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the
invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
invention, reference should be made to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the reel assembly of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view illustrating the first
locking mechanism of the reel assembly in the unlocked
orientation.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the first locking
mechanism of the reel assembly in the locked orientation.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the second locking
mechanism of the reel assembly in the unlocked orientation.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the second locking
mechanism of the reel assembly in the locked orientation.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of the reel assembly
showing both the first and second locking mechanisms.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective cut away view of the first locking
mechanism assembly in the unlocked orientation.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective cut away view of the first locking
mechanism in the locked orientation.
[0022] Similar reference characters refer to similar parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
PARTS LIST
[0023] 20 Reel Assembly [0024] 22 Reel Housing [0025] 24 Webbing
[0026] 26 Webbing Clasp [0027] 28 Webbing Shaft [0028] 32 Geared
End Plate of Webbing Shaft [0029] 34 Locking Ring [0030] 36 Ramp on
Locking Ring [0031] 38 Trigger [0032] 40 Spring Housings [0033] 42
Locking Bolt [0034] 44 Cut Out in Locking Bolt [0035] 46 Housing
for Locking Bolt [0036] 48 Primary Locking Dog [0037] 50 Locking
Bolt Spring [0038] 52 Sear [0039] 54 Push Button [0040] 56 Guard
[0041] 58 Pawls [0042] 62 Calibration Springs [0043] 64 Recesses on
Locking Ring [0044] 66 Accelerometer
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0045] The present invention relates to an improved reel assembly
for use in conjunction with the occupant restraint system of a
vehicle. The assembly employs a dual locking arrangement whereby an
occupant can be restrained during both major and minor incidents.
After a major incident, such as a collision, the reel assembly
remains locked until the occupant disengages the reel by accessing
a push button. After a minor incident, such as a fall, the reel
assembly can be conveniently unlocked, without the need for
accessing the push button, by applying counter tension to the
restraint webbing. The details of the present invention are more
fully described hereinafter.
[0046] With reference now to FIG. 1, the improved reel assembly of
the present invention is illustrated. Reel assembly 20 includes a
housing 22 that contains a length of webbing 24 and associated
locking and winding mechanisms. These mechanisms control the
extraction and retraction of webbing 24 and are more fully
described hereinafter. An attachment 26, such as a clip, clasp or
carabineer, can be attached to an end of webbing 24 and is used in
securing webbing 24 to an occupant restraint, such as a waist belt
or body harness.
[0047] Reel assembly 20 can be used in connection with any of a
wide variety of vehicle restraint systems. For instance, reel
assembly 20 can be used in association with the aircrew restraint
system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,275,710 to Van Druff et. al.,
the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In this
regard, reel assembly 20 includes one or more mounting apertures
for securing the assembly to the inside of an aircrew compartment.
The reel can likewise be readily secured within other vehicles,
such as automobiles or boats.
[0048] When used in connection with a restraint system, reel
assembly 20 serves to restrain occupants during both major and
minor incidents. A "major incident" is generally defined as an
event that results in more than 100 pounds of force being applied
to webbing 24. A major incident, for example, may occur when a
harnessed aircrew member encounters a rapid change in altitude or
excessive G forces. By contrast, a "minor incident" is generally
defined as an event that results in less than 100 pounds of force
being applied to webbing 24. A minor incident, for example, may
occur when a harnessed aircrew member trips or falls within the
aircrew compartment. Reel assembly 20 employs two distinct locking
mechanisms for minor and major incidents.
[0049] The first locking mechanism, which is actuated by major
incidents, is illustrated in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 2
and 3. As illustrated, the assembly includes shaft 28 about which
webbing 24 can be wound or unwound. Shaft 28 includes a geared end
plate 32. As noted in FIGS. 4 and 5, end plate 32 is secured in
facing relation with a peripheral locking ring 34. In the absence
of a major incident, end plate 32 rotates together with locking
ring 34 as webbing 24 is extracted and retracted from shaft 28.
However, during a major incident, locking ring 34 is free to rotate
independently of shaft 28 and end plate 32. In other words, when
forces greater than 100 pounds are applied to webbing 24, locking
ring 34 sides along the face of end plate 32. In this regard, ring
34 and end plate 32 can be interconnected via a friction clutch
that engages ring 34 and plate 32 during the less forceful
extraction of webbing 24. Springs can also be used to provide a
suitable interconnection. One such interconnection is described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,556 to Frisk, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein. Whichever of these mechanisms is
employed, the rapid withdrawal of webbing 24 causes locking ring 34
to rotate slightly behind the rotation of shaft 28. Ideally, the
mechanism is such that the force necessary to cause the independent
rotation of ring 34 is adjustable. In this manner, the threshhold
necessary to trigger a major incident can be adjusted.
[0050] The first locking mechanism further includes a trigger 38
and an interconnected sear 52 that are positioned between ring 34
and shaft 28. Rotation of locking ring 34 relative to shaft 28
causes trigger 38 to engage an inclined ramp 36 on the inside face
of ring 34. FIG. 6 illustrates trigger 38 engaging ramp 36 during
the relative rotation of ring 34. This, in turn, results in the
movement of both trigger 38 and an interconnected sear 52 in a
direction parallel to the length of housing 20. Sear 52 is further
interconnected to locking bolt 42. The movement of sear 52 permits
locking bolt 42 to slide downwardly. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and
8, bolt 42 includes a cutout 44 and is encased within housing
46.
[0051] With continuing reference FIGS. 7 and 8, bolt 42 is biased
downwardly within housing 46 by spring 50. Thus, during a major
incident, as trigger 38 engages ramp 40, sear 52 is moved axially
with respect to bolt 42. This, in turn, permits bolt to move
downwardly within housing 46 under bias of sprig 50. The sliding
movement of bolt 42 triggers the pivotal movement of primary
locking dog 48. More specifically, as bolt 42 slides downwardly, a
portion of locking dog 48 encounters the enlarged portion of cutout
44. This, in turn, permits a spring to pivot locking dog 48 such
that the distal end of the dog engages the teeth of geared end
plate 32.
[0052] As further noted in FIGS. 7 and 8, the downward movement of
bolt 42 also results in push button 54 being accessible within
guard housing 56. Thus, after the occurrence of a major incident,
webbing shaft 32 remains locked by way of locking dog 48, thereby
prohibiting rotation of shaft 28 and the further extraction of
webbing 24. This serves to restrain the movement of an occupant
within the associated harness. Webbing shaft 28 remains locked
until the occupant accesses and pushes button 54. By depressing
button 54, bolt 42 is slid upwardly, thereby disengaging locking
dog 48 and trigger 38. As a result, the first locking mechanism is
reset and webbing 24 can again be extracted or retracted as noted
above.
[0053] The second locking mechanism, which is activated by minor
incidents, is described next in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5.
These figures illustrate a series of pawls 58 that are pivotally
mounted upon the face of the geared end plate 32. Although
connected to plate 32, the distal ends of pawls 58 are adapted to
engage recesses 64 that are peripherally located about the inner
circumference of locking ring 34. Pawls 58 are maintained in a
disengaged state by way of calibration springs 62. These springs 62
are interconnected between the end plate 32 and the distal ends of
pawls 58. The force of the springs is such that the pawls 58 are
maintained in their disengaged orientation until a predetermined
centripetal force is encountered (i.e. upon occurrence of a minor
incident). When such a force is encountered, pawls 58 are pivoted
outwardly to engage recesses 64. This, in turn, will prevent
rotation of shaft 28 and, thus, the further movement of the webbing
24. In this orientation, the occupant is restrained.
[0054] After the occurrence of a minor incident, pawls 58 can be
reset by simply applying a counter tension to webbing 24. Namely,
by pulling back on webbing 24 the distal ends of pawls 58 will be
removed from recesses 64 and, thereafter, springs 62 will serve to
rotate pawls 58 back into the disengaged orientation. Webbing shaft
32 is then free to rotate and the occupant can move freely within
the aircraft.
Alternative Embodiment
[0055] A specific implementation of the present invention is next
described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-8. As with the primary
embodiment, this implementation includes dual locking mechanisms
for restraining a vehicle occupant by controlling the displacement
of a length of webbing (24) during both major and minor incidents.
As is conventional, the webbing (24) includes a webbing clasp (26)
at its distal end that can be releasably secured to a harness or
other restraint system.
[0056] The webbing (24) is wound about a webbing shaft (28) within
the interior of the reel assembly (20). As illustrated in FIG. 2,
the shaft (28) includes a geared plate (32) at one end. A
sufficient length of webbing (24) is included so as to permit the
restrained occupant to travel throughout the vehicle. Rotation of
the shaft (28) in a first sense results in the displacement of the
webbing (24) and creation of sufficient slack so as to permit the
free travel of the occupant within the vehicle. Likewise, rotation
of the shaft (28) in the opposite sense results in slack being
taken up so as to limit the movement of the occupant. As described
in greater detail hereinafter, two distinct mechanisms are involved
in preventing rotation of shaft (28). These mechanisms effectively
restrain the occupant from any movement in the event the occupant
falls (minor incident) or vehicle is involved in an accident(major
incident).
[0057] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, a pair of locking pawls
(58) are pivotally secured to the geared end plate (32). FIG. 4
illustrates the pawls (58) in the unpivoted orientation and FIG. 5
illustrates the pawls (58) in the pivoted orientation. A
calibration spring (62) is secured to each locking pawl (58) and
serves to bias the pawl (58) into the unpivoted orientation. The
bias of these spring can be overcome by centripetal acceleration
whenever the webbing shaft (28) is rotated at a predetermined rate.
When such forces are encountered, the pawls (58) are forced
outwardly to the pivoted orientation whereby at least one of the
pawls (58) engages a surrounding locking ring (34) (note FIG.
5).
[0058] As illustrated, locking ring (34) includes a geared inner
periphery that is adapted to be engaged by one of the pawls (58).
The locking ring (34) also includes an outer surface with an
associated ramp (36) (note FIG. 6). The function of this ramp is
described in greater detail hereinafter. Locking ring (34) is
positioned around the geared end plate (32) and is independently
rotatable relative thereto. However, the locking ring (34) and the
locking pawl (58) rotate together whenever one of the locking pawls
(58) is engaged with the geared inner periphery of the locking ring
(34). When this occurs, rotation of the webbing shaft (28) causes a
corresponding rotation of the locking ring (34). Spring
compartments (40) and internal springs are included to resist the
rotation of the locking ring (34).
[0059] The operation of the locking bolt (42) is described next in
association with FIGS. 7 and 8. Locking bolt (42), which includes
an elongated cutout (44) along its length, is positioned adjacent
the webbing shaft (28). Locking bolt (42) has both an engaged and a
disengaged position. A spring (50) is used to bias the locking bolt
(42) into the engaged position. With continuing reference to FIGS.
7 and 8, trigger (38) and a sear (52) are operatively coupled to
the locking bolt (42) and operate to keep the locking bolt (42) in
either its disengaged or its engaged orientation. More
specifically, sear (52) engages the lower extent of locking bolt
(42) and maintains it in the disengaged position against the bias
of the spring (50).
[0060] With reference to FIG. 6, it can be seen that trigger (38)
is adapted to engage the ramp (36) on the outer surface of the
locking ring (34) during the extended rotation of locking ring
(34). Namely, trigger (38) engages ramp (36) whenever locking ring
(34) is rotated more than 45.degree.. When this occurs, both
trigger (38) and sear (52) are pivoted such that sear (52)
temporarily disengages the locking bolt (42). This displacement of
sear (52) permits spring (50) to force locking bolt (42) into the
engaged position. This movement of the locking bolt (42), in turn,
permits a locking dog (48) to engage geared end plate (32) so as to
prohibit further displacement of webbing (24).
[0061] The locking dog (48) is pivotally secured adjacent the
geared end plate (32) and has a distal end that rides within the
elongated cut out (44) of the locking bolt (42). As noted in FIG.
7, the elongated cut out (44) prevents the locking dog (48) from
engaging the geared end plate (32) when the locking bolt (42) is in
the disengaged position. However, when the locking bolt (42) is in
the engaged position, the geometry of the elongated cut out (44)
allows the locking dog (48) to engage the geared end plate (32), as
depicted in Figure B. With the locking dog (48) so engaged, the
webbing (24) is prevented from being displaced from the webbing
shaft (28) and the occupant is effectively restrained.
[0062] In operation, rotation of the webbing shaft (28) at a
predetermined rate causes the locking pawls (58) to move into the
pivoted orientation and engage the locking ring (34). This
restricts the displacement of the webbing (24) from the webbing
shaft (28) and restrains the occupant. This level of restraint is
triggered during minor incidents, such as when the occupant trips
or falls. Locking pawls (58) remain engaged within locking ring
(34) as long as tension remains in the webbing. The locking pawls
(58) can be disengaged by applying a counter tension to the webbing
(24) to reset the assembly.
[0063] During major incidents, such a vehicle accident, the force
on the webbing (24) will cause the locking pawls (58) to engage
locking ring (34) and will further cause the locking ring (34) to
rotate 450 or more. This rotation, in turn, causes trigger (38) to
engage ramp (36), whereby sear (52) will be displaced. As noted in
FIG. 8, spring (50) will thereafter be permitted to move the
locking bolt (42) into the engaged position such that the locking
dog (48) engages the geared end plate (32). With the locking dog
(48) fully engaged, further displacement of the webbing (24) is
prevented and the occupant is fully restrained. Thus, during major
incidents, an occupant is fully restrained. The user can thereafter
release the locking dog (48) via a push button at the end of
locking bolt (42). In addition to the foregoing, trigger (38) can
also be tripped by a separate accelerometer (64). This
accelerometer (64) provides a separate and independent means of
triggering locking dog (48) and preventing the rotation of webbing
shaft (28) during major incidents.
[0064] The present disclosure includes that contained in the
appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description.
Although this invention has been described in its preferred form
with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the
present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way
of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction
and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0065] Now that the invention has been described,
* * * * *